Best mountain near Seattle

Stevens Pass has the some of the best terrain and park but is crowded all the time now. Crystal is a great mountain to shred bigger lines but is also notoriously crowded. If you are willing to drive a couple hours north Baker gets an insane amount of snowfall and has great lines, its just not as close to Seattle proper as the other two. Or do all 3?

I haven't skied in Washington but I have done a lot of research on Washington ski areas because I am considering living there at some point. If you are looking for big mountain gnarly terrain, it pretty much comes down to Baker, Stevens, Alpental, and Crystal. Baker is generally considered the best, but a lot of their good terrain is lift-accessed (sometimes wtih a short hike) but out of bounds, meaning you need avy training/gear/partner. It is my understanding that Baker is a great (though relatively small) in bounds ski area as well, but while it is generally considered the best in Washington for gnarly big mountain terrain, I don't know if that still holds true when the out-of-bounds is not factored in. It's a few hours from Seattle, a bit farther from the other three good places.

As for Stevens Pass, Alpental, and Crystal Mountain, I would assume that they're all pretty equal, there isn't really a conensus on which one is best.

Crystal if I had to choose

White Pass

I live in Seattle, and have skied at Stevens, Crystal, Baker, and Alpental, which are the most popular places to ski near Seattle. Baker gets a ton of snow, and a lot of pow days and has an awesome backcountry, but also lot of gnarly lines accessible by the lift. Crystal has a lot of chutes and bowls, and cliffs, and also gets a fair amount of snow. Stevens is known for its terrain park, and its terrain park is really good. When Stevens gets pow, it is my favorite place to ski. last, but not least is Alpental. Alpental can be one of the most fun places to ski, with so many possibilities on such a small mountain. it has super fun and quick runs and only 2 lifts with a backcountry too. All mountains are so fun to ski.

Awesome thanks guys. Your info helped out a lot.. Stoked for this trip!!!

That's right, you're not allowed.

the forecast says its only going to rain

Sh4dowI haven't skied in Washington but I have done a lot of research on Washington ski areas because I am considering living there at some point. If you are looking for big mountain gnarly terrain, it pretty much comes down to Baker, Stevens, Alpental, and Crystal. Baker is generally considered the best, but a lot of their good terrain is lift-accessed (sometimes wtih a short hike) but out of bounds, meaning you need avy training/gear/partner. It is my understanding that Baker is a great (though relatively small) in bounds ski area as well, but while it is generally considered the best in Washington for gnarly big mountain terrain, I don't know if that still holds true when the out-of-bounds is not factored in. It's a few hours from Seattle, a bit farther from the other three good places.

As for Stevens Pass, Alpental, and Crystal Mountain, I would assume that they're all pretty equal, there isn't really a conensus on which one is best.

Alpental and Crystal have lift serviced backcountry, but Baker is the only place I have ever had patrol stop me and be like, if you don't have a shovel/probe/beacon etc you cannot ski here. Alpental is pretty much a shitshow when it comes to backcountry access. You have snowboarders postholing up the traverse, no one has any b/c gear or knowledge, there's 30 people packed together on a traverse under a cornice that they don't even realize exists. Its where n00bs go for BC access.